Either way, Perkins said, Ryan's office will keep pressing the organization to register with the state, like any charitable organization that raises funds in Illinois.

Nowicki dismissed Ryan's suit on Feb. 8, saying the state's Solicitation for Charity Act, on which the suit was based, is unconstitutionally vague.

The law, aimed at preventing unscrupulous organizations from passing themselves off as legitimate charities, requires that groups soliciting donations register with the state.

The law also requires the filing of annual reports disclosing such information as officers and how much money is spent on administration and on charitable activities. Though most groups that solicit donations are covered by the act, churches are exempt.